I. ˈkwik adjective
Etymology: Middle English quik, from Old English cwic; akin to Old Norse kvikr living, Latin vivus living, vivere to live, Greek bios, zōē life
Date: before 12th century
1. : not dead : living , alive
2. : acting or capable of acting with speed: as
a.
(1) : fast in understanding, thinking, or learning : mentally agile
a quick wit
quick thinking
(2) : reacting to stimuli with speed and keen sensitivity
(3) : aroused immediately and intensely
quick tempers
b.
(1) : fast in development or occurrence
a quick succession of events
(2) : done or taking place with rapidity
gave them a quick look
c. : marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of physical movement
walked with quick steps
d. : inclined to hastiness (as in action or response)
quick to criticize
e. : capable of being easily and speedily prepared
a quick and tasty dinner
3.
a. archaic : not stagnant : running , flowing
b. : moving , shifting
quick mud
4. archaic : fiery , glowing
5. obsolete
a. : pungent
b. : caustic
6. archaic : pregnant
7. : having a sharp angle
a quick turn in the road
• quick·ly adverb
• quick·ness noun
Synonyms:
quick , prompt , ready , apt mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability. quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power
quick reflexes
a keen quick mind
prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response
prompt emergency medical care
ready suggests facility or fluency in response
backed by a pair of ready assistants
apt stresses the possession of qualities (as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible
an apt student
her answer was apt and to the point
Synonym: see in addition fast .
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
1. quick plural : living beings
2.
[probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse kvika sensitive flesh, from kvikr living]
a. : a painfully sensitive spot or area of flesh (as that underlying a fingernail or toenail)
b. : the inmost sensibilities
hurt to the quick by the remark
c. : the very center of something : heart
3. archaic : life 11
III. adverb
Date: 14th century
: in a quick manner